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Don’t Push Pause is a monthly podcast bringing you discussions on movies from the 70s, 80s and 90s. DPP consists of a main discussion on a featured film, followed up by our Picks of the Week, and closing with our signature (Bill) Murray Moment.
Episodes
Monday Apr 20, 2020
Monday Apr 20, 2020
In the 1980s, teen comedies established character tropes and found their future superstars. BETTER OFF DEAD... (1985) catapulted John Cusack to leading man status, even if the film didn’t reach blockbuster heights. This satirical black comedy was an unapologetic, absurdist dive into the teen psyche, which has only gained popularity throughout the years. BETTER OFF DEAD... continues to stand out from other ‘80s movies and leaves us with endless memorable moments.
▶️Synopsis: Devastated after being dumped for the popular high school jock, Lane Meyer can’t find a reason to live. In between multiple suicide attempts, he begins a friendship with a French exchange student who reminds him there is more life to live.
⏩⏩Discussions include: The true story behind the unusually satirical, BETTER OFF DEAD; how a first-time, feature film director/writer got his break; expanding the teen comedy genre, including an atypical leading man and traversing the teen experience; the tone/black humor used within the film; cast discussion, including the well-developed relationships with supporting characters; critical reception, music, animation/claymation and, of course, throwing in our favorite scenes and classic lines from the film.
**Starring John Cusack, Diane Franklin, Curtis Armstrong. Directed by Savage Steve Holland.**
▶️**PICKS OF THE WEEK**
—Lindsay’s Pick, TERRORVISION (1986): In this oddball sci-fi/horror/comedy, a family’s new TV satellite installation becomes an invitation for a monstrous alien from another world. **Starring Diane Franklin, Mary Woronov, Gerrit Graham, Chad Allen. Directed by Ted Nicolaou.**
—Justin’s Pick, ONE CRAZY SUMMER (1986): Bailing on post high school plans, two best friends decide to have a carefree summer, but end up helping a fledging musician’s family estate and, in turn, inspiring future life goals. **Starring John Cusack, Joel Murray, Bobcat Goldthwait, Demi Moore. Directed by Savage Steve Holland.**
▶️MURRAYMOMENT: Billy’s experience living through the 2016 Chicago Cubs’ World Series win, with a little tear-jerking memory thrown in.
▶️FINAL THOUGHTS: Cusack’s unexpected reaction at the premiere of BETTER OFF DEAD..., his most recent feelings on the film, effect on Holland’s career and long-lasting fandom for this inoffensively rare 80s film.
▶️NEXT UP: DPP TWO-YEAR ANNIVERSARY with GOODFELLAS (1990)!
Monday Apr 06, 2020
Monday Apr 06, 2020
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, THE FABULOUS STAINS (1982) is a criminally underseen film. Ahead of its time, THE STAINS was dedicated to depicting the gritty nature of the music world on the cusp of a new decade. For never having a theatrical release, this film’s relentlessly empowering nature has ensured its steady climb to cult status.
▶️Synopsis: Surrounded by a male-dominated music scene, an all-female teenage band, The Stains, join an on-going tour with jaded, aging rockers and a brassy UK punk band. While perfecting their sound and look, The Stains discover the turmoil that accompanies becoming a media sensation.
⏩⏩Discussions include: Music industry truths about fandom, band realities, power of the media and the ‘70s-‘80s music scene convergence; writer Nancy Dowd’s inspiration for the script backed by punk expert, Caroline Coon, plus their on-set problems and creative differences with director Lou Adler’s vision; the underage cast mixed with famous musicians; original ending vs. the theatrically released version; messages derived from the film, the influence on real-life musicians and how this atypical teen journey of THE STAINS steadily grew into a cult favorite. **Starring Diane Lane, Laura Dern, Marin Kanter, Ray Winstone. Directed by Lou Adler.**
▶️**PICKS OF THE WEEK**
—Lindsay’s Pick, UNFAITHFUL (2002): A suburban couple’s marriage is upended when one partner has a chance encounter and lustful affair with a stranger, resulting in an unexpected turn of events. **Starring Diane Lane, Richard Gere, Olivier Martinez. Directed by Adrian Lyne.**
—Justin’s Pick, SATISFACTION (1988): After graduating high school, an all-female rock ‘n roll band set out to land an important summer gig, but find the road to success will be a bumpy one. **Starring Justine Bateman, Julia Roberts, Liam Neeson. Directed by Joan Freeman.**
▶️MURRAYMOMENT: We get to the bottom of the romantic rumors between Billy and actor/musician Jenny Lewis which flooded the internet in 2015.
▶️FINAL THOUGHTS: An unfunny prank on the set of THE STAINS and absence of drugs in the film.
▶️NEXT UP: BETTER OFF DEAD (1985)!
Monday Mar 23, 2020
Monday Mar 23, 2020
James Cameron’s THE ABYSS was a technological marvel in 1989. For many, the film remains a mystery, overshadowed by other Cameron films which reaped the benefits of THE ABYSS’ monumental achievements. Having nearly missed the late-1980s underwater movie wave, THE ABYSS played a massively integral part in Cameron’s career. For our 50th Episode, we’re diving into what made this nearly unimaginable film not only possible, but a feat still awe-inspiring 30 years later.
Synopsis: A team of underwater oil rig workers are enlisted to seek out a sunken nuclear submarine. Battling weather problems from above and Navy Seals with an alternative mission, the civilian team discovers an alien species looking to make contact.
Discussions include: Aspects of underwater filmmaking, including immense difficulties, dangers and unforeseen challenges; training and hardships faced by the cast and crew; Cameron’s perfectionism and methodical troubleshooting; newly invented technology/special effects; differences between the theatrical and extended cuts of the film; use of *real* underwater breathing liquid; Cameron’s personal influence on the script and use of purposeful sexism; what hindered the film’s release; our love of the cast and why this ambitious movie is so unrelentingly intense.**Starring Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, Ed Harris, Michael Biehn. Directed by James Cameron.**
**PICKS OF THE WEEK**
—Lindsay’s Pick, ANACONDA (1997): A documentary film crew falls prey to an opportunistic, snake-hunting stranger, while being stalked by giant Amazonian anacondas. **Starring Jennifer Lopez, Ice Cube, Jon Voight, Owen Wilson. Directed by Luis Llosa.**
—Justin’s Pick, STRANGE DAYS (1995): Before the dawn of a new millennium, this flashy, neo-noir thriller follows a shady Los Angeles ex-cop/grifter selling visions of the future and uncovering what dangers lay ahead. **Starring Juliette Lewis, Angela Bassett, Ralph Fiennes, Tom Sizemore. Directed by Kathryn Bigelow.**
MURRAYMOMENT: Behind the scenes snippets of Billy’s time filming The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou.
FINAL THOUGHTS: Marketing and reception of THE ABYSS, in relation to other underwater movies released around the same time.
NEXT UP:LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, THE FABULOUS STAINS (1982)!